New caps in Women’s Eagles World Cup squad

Two uncapped players have been named in the USA Women’s Eagles squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to kick off on August 9. Houston Athletic prop Nicole James and USA 7s winger Jessica Javelet are the surprise inclusions having not previously seen test action, the pair making the grade as one of the 28-strong playing group headed for Ireland.

While Javelet is new to the XVs side, she boasts vast experience on the HSBC Sevens Series where her pace has seen her rack up numerous highlight reel tries. Head coach Pete Steinberg has not shied away from picking Chula Vista residents for the team, with six regulars on the circuit boosting the backs. Nicole Heavirland, Cheta Emba, Kristen Thomas, Naya Tapper, and Women’s Eagles 7s captain Alev Kelter have all been snapped up for the competition.

The young squad features only six returning players from the 2014 World Cup, where the USA finished in 6th place. Props Naima Reddick and Hope Rogers are joined by hooker Katy Augustyn, the latter duo missing out on the Can-Am Series earlier this year. Deven Owsiany returns from a long absence and is set to resume her halfback partnership with Kimber Rozier. Midfielder Sylvia Braaten is the only other back remaining from three years ago.

Joining the USA in Pool B at the tournament are Italy, Spain, and defending champions England. All of the opening rounds will take place in Dublin before the tournament shifts north to Belfast for the knock-out phases. NBC Sports will broadcast the tournament in the USA.

FORWARDS
Catie Benson (Life West), Tiffany Faaee (NYRC), Nicole James (HARC), Naima Reddick (Seattle Saracens), Jamila Reinhardt (San Diego Surfers), Hope Rogers (San Diego Surfers), Katy Augustyn (Berkeley All Blues), Sam Pankey (San Diego Surfers), Stacey Bridges (Twin Cities Amazons), Abby Gustaitis (Northern Virginia), Alycia Washington (NYRC), Jordan Gray (Life West), Sara Parsons (Northern Virginia), Christiane Pheil (Chicago North Shore), Kristine Sommer (Seattle Saracens), Kate Zackary (San Diego Surfers)

BACKS
AnnaKaren Pedraza (Lindenwood), Deven Owsiany (San Diego Surfers), Kayla Canett (Penn State), Kimber Rozier (Harlequin Ladies, UK), Sylvia Braaten (Twin Cities Amazons), Nicole Heavirland (USA 7s), Alev Kelter (USA 7s), Cheta Emba (USA 7s), Jessica Javelet (USA 7s), Naya Tapper (USA 7s), Kristen Thomas (USA 7s), Jessica Wooden (Harlequin Ladies, UK)

STAFF
Head Coach – Pete Steinberg
Associate Head Coach – Peter Baggetta
Assistant Coach – Richie Walker
Assistant Coach – Liz Kirk
Assistant Coach – Richard Ashfield
Video Analyst – Caitlin Singletary
Head of Physical Performance – Ian Gibbons
Physician – Katie Gloyer
Physician – Michelle Look
Physiotherapist – Amy Valenta
Physiotherapist – Sarah Leslie
Physiotherapist – Bri Arsenault
Sports Psychologist – Julie Sutcliffe
Manager – Roshna Wunderlich
Assistant Manager / Massage Therapist – Amie Kern

POOL FIXTURES
Wed, Aug 9 – 11:30 ET – vs Italy – UCD Bowl, Dublin
Sun, Aug 13 – 09:45 ET – vs Spain – UCD Bowl, Dublin
Thu, Aug 17 – 09:30 ET – vs England – Billings Park, Dublin